George I, (1660-1727), elector of Hanover (1698-1727), king of Great Britain and Ireland (1714-1727)

Second elector of Hanover, inherited the British throne as a great-grandson of James I. His reign saw a marked increase in the power of the king, as George sent much of his time in Hanover, even after gaining the throne of Britain, and never learned English. During his reign Robert Walpole emerged as his chief minister, now considered to be the first Prime Minister. His military career started as early as 1675, serving the empire. He was present in the army that defeated the Turks at the battle of Vienna (12 September 1683), which allowed the Hapsburgs to conquer Hungary. Within three years of his becoming Elector, the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) broke out. As a member of the Grand Alliance, George raised 10,000 men and five cavalry regiments as his contribution. During the duke of Marlborough's campaign of 1704-5, George and Marlborough became close, reflected in his appointment as captain-general in 1714. George played an active part in the war, commanding the Imperial Army on the Upper Rhine from 1707-1709. On the death of Queen Anne, he became king of Great Britain, but still spent most of his time in Germany, and never became popular in England, although the first Jacobite Revolt (1715) was easily defeated. As king of England, he soon found himself allied with France under Louis XV in the War of the Quadruple Alliance (1718-20), aimed at stopping the union of France and Spain under Philip of Spain, Louis' uncle. From 1721 until his death, George was served by Robert Walpole. Succeeded by George II.

How to cite this article:
Rickard, J. (18 November 2000), George I, (1660-1727), elector of Hanover (1698-1727), king of Great Britain and Ireland (1714-1727), http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_george1.html